Thanks to everyone

Solid Ground have finished up with their engagements for 2014. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all those who have supported us in prayer and in person. We deeply appreciate all your support. We are looking forward to an exciting 2015, with a few developments!

Please pray for Solid Ground, and that God will continue to be honoured and glorified in 2015 through our ministry. We trust everyone will have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

David, Stephen, Wully and Philip

December Engagements

Sunday 7th December - Abbotts Cross Congregational Church

This was another debut on several fronts, as this was the first time Solid Ground had ever sang in Abbotts Cross. It was also the opportunity to sing a brand new piece in “Nothing But The Blood” and also a newer piece, “Oh, The Thought That Jesus Loves Me”. “Plan of Salvation” and “I Will Serve Thee” rounded out the slot which Solid Ground had been given. It always enjoyable to work on songs and have the opportunity to sing them out. Rev Gillanders brought the Gospel from Psalm 8 on the theme of “What is man, that  you are mindful of him Lord?”.

November Engagements

Sunday 9th November 2014 - Templemore Hall, Belfast

Solid Ground always enjoy a warm reception from the folks at Templemore and Sunday eveningpast was no exception. Solid Ground had responsibility for the meeting, which included singing and bringing the Word. Solid Ground had the opportunity to sing several pieces, including some “archived” pieces, which included, “Sweet Beulah Land” and the Booth Brother classic, “His Grace is Sufficient”. 

Jonathan Pollock brought the Gospel, drawing from the first three chapters of Genesis to illustrate what the Lord had laid upon his heart.

The next engagement for Solid Ground is this Sunday 16^th November at 7PM in Dunseverick Baptist. See you there!

Sunday 16th November 2014 - Dunseverick Baptist Church
One thing is guaranteed when Solid Ground are invited to minister at Dunseverick; a warm welcome! Sunday was no exception. A warm welcome fused with a real sense of God's Presence gives great Liberty when it comes to the singing and preaching. 

Solid Ground ministered over two slots, "I Will Serve Thee", "His Grace is Sufficient", "Masterpiece of Mercy" and "I Know A Man" setting the tone for Pastor David Scott, formerly of Coagh Baptist, to bring the Gospel from 2 Timothy Chapter 1.

Solid Ground are next on the road on Sunday 30th November in Dungannon Independent  Methodist Church at 7pm. 

Sunday 30th November 2014 - Dungannon Independent Methodist Church

It is always a pleasure to renew fellowship with our friends in Dungannon, and Sunday was no exception. Solid Ground had the opportunity to sing over two slots and debuted a new song, which has been a big hit for the group Beyond The Ashes, “Oh, The Thought That Jesus Loves Me”. This is a beautiful piece which paints the picture of how Christ loves us. Rev Maxwell brought the Gospel message to close out the meeting.

The next engagement for Solid Ground is Sunday 7th December at Abbotts Cross Congregational Church, Newtownabbey at 7pm. 

October Engagements

Sunday 5th October - Portrush Baptist Church

Solid Ground made the trip up on a wet and blowy Sunday evening to minister in song at the evening service at Portrush Baptist. Solid Ground had the opportunity to minister over three slots including bring the meeting to close with the rather appropriate “When You Bow at Jesus Feet”. Peter Ritchie, from the Iron Hall, brought the Gospel challenge to the congregation. A special word of thanks to Sam and Anna who provided a sumptuous supper for us all!

Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 12th October at 6.30pm at Ballee Baptist Church 

Sunday 12th - Ballee Baptist Church

This engagement is somewhat of a Homecoming for Solid Ground and as such, singing in Ballee would be considered slightly more nerve prompting than other engagements! The Lord graciously undertook in every aspect of the service and really calmed the nerves for Solid Ground. A new piece, making its debut in many places, is “I Will Serve Thee” and this was the opener on this particular occasion. “I Know a Man Who Can”, “Plan of Salvation” and “Masterpiece of Mercy” were also included on the set list. Pastor Billy Jones brought the Gospel message to conclude the meeting.

Next engagement - Wednesday 15th October in Ballyclare Baptist Church at 8pm. 

Wednesday 15th - Ballyclare Baptist Church

On our usual Wednesday practice night we had the privilege of ministering as part of a Gospel Mission that the church has been undertaking over the past few weeks. Pastor Kenny Wilson from Banbridge Baptist brought the word and Solid Ground ministered over three slots, including tying the evening together with “When You Bow at Jesus Feet”.  We would ask you to join with us in prayer that those who heard the Gospel would repent and that much fruit would be seen for the labours of all those involved with the church.

Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 9th November at 6.45pm in Templemore Hall, Belfast.

September Engagements

Sunday 14th September - New Buildings Independent Methodist Church
It was an evening of firsts for Solid Ground as they travelled up to Londonderry. It was the first time to sing in Newbuildings Independent Methodist, the first engagement since the summer break and the opportunity to sing a new piece that had been worked on.

The evening Service was a Family Service and Solid Ground were able to minister with five pieces. A new song for Solid Ground, "I Will Serve Thee" was sung out. This Gaither classic contains some timeless truths and we trust it will be a blessing to those who hear it. Other songs in the set included, "That's Why", "Plan of Salvation", "Masterpiece of Mercy" and the closing song was "When You Bow At Jesus Feet".

Pastor Jonathan Campbell brought the Gospel from the story of the Rich, Young Ruler and how we have a choice to make and not let our judgement be clouded by anything this world can offer. A beautiful bite of supper was prepared for all and Solid Ground duly topped up before heading towards home. Many thanks for the food and cup of tea.

The next engagement for Solid Ground is Sunday 5th October @7.00pm in Portrush Baptist Church.

Engagements September - December 2014

September

Sunday 14th - New Buildings  Independent Methodist Church - 7pm

October

Sunday 5th - Portrush Baptist Church - 7pm

Sunday 12th - Ballee Baptist Church - 6.30pm

Wednesdat 15th - Ballyclare Baptist Church (Gospel Mission) - 8pm

November

Sunday 9th - Templemore Hall Belfast - 6.45pm

Sunday 16th - Dunseverick Baptist Church - 7pm

Sunday 30th - Dungannon Independent Methodist Church - 7pm

December

Sunday 7th - Abbotts Cross Congregational Church - 6.30pm

June Engagements

Sunday 8th June - Portrush Baptist Church
On an evening with torrential rain showers and thundery conditions, Solid Ground traveled up to Portrush Baptist to minister in song. Some pieces from the Solid Ground archives were used to minister. One such song was, "Love Was In The Room". A new vocal arrangement on "I Know A Man" was also debuted for the first time. This tied in nicely with the sermon that particular evening on how the rich man lifted up his eyes from hell to ask for mercy. Solid Ground are thankful that we individually and collectively know the man Christ Jesus who can save whosever calls upon His name.

Next engagement: Cullybackey Elim, Sunday 22nd June at 6.00pm

Sunday 22nd June - Cullybackey Elim Church
Singing in Cullybackey Elim is always a pleasure for Solid Ground. The tangible sense of God's presence is evident even whilst setting up the equipment. It is amazing how this Presence can help to calm the nerves before singing and minister to the hearts of those in the pews.

Solid Ground were given the opportunity to sing four pieces; "That's Why", "Plan of Salvation", "Masterpiece of Mercy" and "I Thirst". Pastor Denver Micheal then brought the gospel challenge and brought the meeting to a close.

The next and final engagement for Solid Ground (until September) is this Sunday, 29th June, at Newtowards Baptist Church at 7pm.

Sunday 29th June - Newtownards Baptist Church

The final engagement prior to the summer break was in Newtownards Baptist. A pleasant June evening was mirrored by a warm sense of God's presence, which always gives liberty and helps to take the edge of the nerves.

"That's Why", "When He Was On The Cross", "I Thirst" and "When You Bow At Jesus Feet" were the pieces chosen by Solid Ground and the Pastor brought the Word from John 5. The Call of Discipleship was the message title and part one of a theme which the Pastor hopes to explore in coming weeks. Many thanks to those who prepared the supper afterwards and for the good time of fellowship.

After another singing season, Solid Ground would like to sincerely thank all those who have prayed for us, encouraged us and supported the ministry in song. We would also like to thank all the places we have been privileged to sing at for their gracious invitation to be a part of the services. It is our prayer that God would use Solid Ground to further His name and His Kingdom.

May Engagements

Sunday 11th May - Kilrea Baptist Church
On a beautiful summer evening, Solid Ground traveled to  Kilrea Baptist Church to provide the ministry in song. A warm sense of Gods presence was evident from start to finish, with liberty given.

Solid Ground ministered with four pieces over two slots, setting the tone for the gospel meeting with, "Plan of Salvation" and "Reason Enough". During the second slot, "Something Beautiful" and "Love Was In The Room" completed the singing ministry for the evening.

Pastor Philip Cameron brought the word from the book of Exodus.  The Pastor drew out the Gospel from the story of Moses and his deliverance from the death sentence imposed by the rulers of Egypt at that time.

Next engagement: Lurgan Baptist Church, Sunday 25th May at 7.00pm

Sunday 25th May - Lurgan Baptist Church
It is always a pleasure to minister with the folks at Lurgan Baptist. Solid Ground had the opportunity to sing three pieces during the service, with pieces such as "That's Why" getting a first run out at Lurgan. Solid Ground  also got to close the Gospel Service with the piece, "When You Bow At Jesus Feet". 

Next engagement: Portrush Baptist Church, Sunday 8th June at 7.00pm

April Engagements

Friday 4th April - Killylea, Armagh
Solid Ground had the opportunity to minister over two slots, after Mr Johnny Pollock, who had travelled with Solid Ground, outlined how God has led him and his family to be involved in church planting work in the Republic of Ireland. The Pollock family will be based in Westport to start their work. Please remember them in prayer as they step out for The Lord.

"Never Been" was a song that had been allocated the "RFO" (Ready For Out) status in practice, so it was good to sing this new upbeat song that has been popularised by Greater Vision. Other songs from the night included, "I Thirst", "Masterpiece of Mercy", "Just a Little Talk", and "That's Why".

Thursday 10th April - Faith Mission, Portadown
Another midweek booking, this time in Faith Mission Centre, Portadown. In order to raise the profile of the long running Faith Mission (FM) event at Bangor every Easter, this pre-convention was held. Several students who are currently studying at the FM gave testimonies and the current principal of the college, Dr Robert Murdock held a short Q&A with the students to give us an idea of life at the bible college.

Solid Ground had two opportunities to sing and it was another first for Solid Ground as the use of a new iPad app called Stagetraxx was fully incorporated into the sound system. This provides the vocalists with the control over the track and also combines the lyrics. There was a warm sense of God's presence and the pieces tied in to the message from the FM Principal, "I Thirst", "By your Grace", "That's Why" "Masterpiece of Mercy" and "Plan of Salvation" all contributing to the missionary element of the Faith Mission work.

Thursday 17th April - Belfast City Mission, Rathcoole
Another first for Solid Ground in that three became two, at the front, due to illness. It was a rather different experience for the tenor and baritone, but God graciously undertook and helped when the lead parts needed covered. It was a well filled meeting, with the speaker being Mr Johnny Pollock who shared from the word of God about the Passover and how we all need to be under the blood. Solid Ground ministered with several pieces including the very appropriate, "One Holy Lamb" which dovetailed rather appropriately with the message that God had led Johnny to prepare.

Next engagement for Solid Ground is on Sunday 11th May 2014 in Kilrea Baptist Church at 6.30pm

March Engagements

Sunday 2nd March - Solid Ground opened the 2013/14 singing calendar with a visit to Ballyclare Baptist in September 2013 and it was a pleasure to return a few months later to minister. Solid Ground sang a total of four pieces over two slots and Pastor John McFarland brought the gospel challenge from Joshua using the story of Rehab as a context of being ready for the time when Jesus will come again. 

Solid Ground ministered with, “I Thirst”, “Masterpiece of Mercy”, “Bless Your Holy Name Again” and “That’s Why”  to a well filled church in Ballyclare Baptist. 

Next engagement for Solid Ground is Carrickfergus Congregational on Sunday 8^th March at 7pm.

Sunday 9th March - Solid Ground travelled to Carrickfergus Congregational Church for the Sunday evening Gospel service. A wet and cold evening was soon forgotten as the warmth and rich sense of God’s presence was very evident throughout the service. Pastor Paul Clark allowed Solid Ground a twenty five minute slot to minister and several songs got a first time run out for the current line up. “Something Beautiful”, “Why Me Lord”, “One Holy Lamb” and  a newer piece, “By Your Grace, For His Glory”.

The ministry in song was followed by a testimony by Paula McKinney who shared how God had saved her and has been with her on her journey of life with its different trials and issues. The testimony was a powerful encouragement to the believer of the proof of God’s grace and help through situations that humanly appear to be impossible, but God is already there! The testimony also demonstrated to those who maybe have not found Christ that there is only one way to get through life and that is with the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and guide.

The next engagement for Solid Ground is on the 30^th March at Templemore Hall.

Sunday 30th March - Solid Ground were treated to a warm welcome from the folks at Templemore Avenue on Sunday night. It was good to renew fellowship after singing at Templemore before Christmas. Solid Ground were given two slots and the opportunity to close the meeting in song.  “At Calvary”, "I Know A Man Who Can”, “Masterpiece of Mercy” and “One Holy Lamb”  made up four of the five songs and the closing song was a fitting “Had It Not Been”.  The word was brought from the book of Luke with the message focused upon the woman with an incurable illness and how Jesus Christ is the answer for a spiritual sickness which has an impact upon every single one of us.

The next engagement for Solid Ground is on Friday 4th April in Killylea, Armagh at 8pm.

February Engagements - cont'

Sunday 23rd February - Ballee Baptist Church is probably the homecoming event for Solid Ground and Solid Ground continued the tradition of ministering at the Missionary Weekend. Solid Ground were able to sing three pieces previously unheard by the Ballee Congregation, “Plan of Salvation”, “That’s Why” and “I Thirst”.  Three songs which have been made popular by both the Cathedral Quartet and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, contain great messages of truth and spiritual encouragement.

The church was well filled and Samuel Adams from the Every Home Crusade (EHC) gave a brief report of the work at EHC and gave some incredible examples of the desire and hunger for God’s Word in developing nations across the world.  It is truly of God that the song selection tied in with the message, EHC are distributing the plan of salvation in a written form to nations thirsty for God’s word and that’s why Solid Ground do what they do most weekends.

Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 2nd March in Ballyclare Baptist Church at 6pm

Fraserburgh, Scotland

Last Friday saw the members of Solid Ground gathering at Belfast City Airport for a short flight to Manchester Airport and then onto Aberdeen. After an interesting takeoff from Belfast and smooth landings elsewhere, Solid Ground made it to Fraserburgh after a short drive to their accommodation.

The first singing engagement for Solid Ground was at a breakfast, organised by the folks at Calvary, with Pastor Lawrence Kennedy (Ballee Baptist) giving the morning devotional.  It’s never easy singing at 9:30 in the morning, but Solid Ground opened with “Plan of Salvation”, which set a thoughtful tone for the upcoming meetings and gave the tenor a chance!

Solid Ground had the opportunity to explore some of the more picturesque elements of the Fraserburgh area with visits to various viewpoints and a fantastic personal tour of the largest fishing boat in the United Kingdom. A true marvel of marine engineering!

Saturday evening saw Solid Ground minister in a more informal meeting with several pieces and Pastor Lawrence Kennedy joined the trio to round out the sound on bass. Pastor Kennedy then brought the Gospel challenge to a packed house.

Sunday morning allowed Solid Ground the opportunity to minister with “Beulah Land”. This brings the believer to a special place and challenges those without Christ as to what they will miss out on, if not found in Christ. Pastor Kennedy brought a powerful sermon entitled, “The Cruise Ship or the Battle Ship” which encouraged and challenged the believer as to their walk and battles in life.

Solid Ground ministered with several more pieces throughout the two Sunday evening services. As a group we prayerfully trust that the word in song will be used of God to help encourage believers and stir the conscience of those outside of Christ. We would like to sincerely thank those who provided such warm hospitality to Solid Ground and for the transport to the various meetings and sights. We also would like to thank God for his hand of protection as we flew and travelled through Scotland and back home again.  The sense of God’s presence was very evident throughout the meetings and we want to thank him for his help in singing out his glorious message of truth.

Next engagement for Solid Ground is Sunday 23rd February in Ballee Baptist Church (Missionary Weekend) at 6.30pm

February Engagements

Sunday 2nd February - It has been around two years since Solid Ground ministered at Coagh Baptist and it is always good to renew fellowship. Pastor Cosby gave Solid Ground a fifteen minute slot, into which four songs and a testimony was shared by baritone Stephen Irons. “Masterpiece of Mercy”, “Plan of Salvation”, “I Know a Man Who Can” and “That’s Why” made up the remainder of the slot.  Many thanks for the supper and the all important cup of tea which was provided after the service!

Next engagement for Solid Ground will be a weekend trip to Fraserborough, Scotland. Please remember Solid Ground in prayer as they travel and seek to lift the name of Jesus Christ above all others in song.

January Engagements

Sunday 26th January - The first engagement of 2014 for Solid Ground was a trip up to Dunseverick Baptist outside Bushmills. A cold and wet evening was melted by the warm sense of God’s presence throughout the meeting. The guest speaker for the evening was Mr. David Anderson from Saintfield Baptist, who ministered from Hebrews 14 using the theme of a spiritual recession and how God has paid in full for our sin debt.

Solid Ground ministered with four songs over two slots, including the debut of the Gold City song, “By Your Grace, For Your Glory”. It is always enjoyable to have worked on a song for several weeks and get it to the “ready for out” stage. Solid Ground also sang “That’s Why”, “Bless Your Holy Name Again” and “Plan of Salvation”.

After the meeting concluded a small feast and a cup of tea was laid on by those at Dunseverick. A big thank you to those who prepared the supper!

The next engagement for Solid Ground is Friday 31st January in Ballee Baptist Church at 7.45pm

Friday 31st January - Solid Ground had the privilege of sharing with the folks at Ballee Baptist on a special night to mark the 25 years of Ministry by Pastor Lawrence Kennedy. Along with Heavenbound, Paul Irwin and the Ballee Baptist Choir, Solid Ground had the opportunity to sing to a packed house. Solid Ground sang “By Your Grace, For Your Glory” as the traditional trio set up and then had a guest bass vocalist join them for two special numbers, “Just A Little Talk With Jesus” and “ When I Survey”. This was a highlight for Solid Ground and the Pastor. There is no fuller sound than male four part harmony!

Next engagement for Solid Ground is Coagh Baptist at 6.30pm